Order of Quebec awarded

Zebedee Nungak received the Order of Quebec during a ceremony in Quebec City in late June.

The Order of Quebec is the highest honour Quebec’s Government can give. It’s awarded each year to individuals who, through their achievements, values and ideals, have influenced Québec’s growth and contributed to its distinction.

Zebedee is a former James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement (JBNQA) signatory, Makivik President, CBC Commentator, author, linguist, hunter, and musician. He has contributed to Nunavik’s political, social, and economic development as well as the preservation of Inuit traditions. He was part of the group of young Inuit leaders who were critical in negotiating the JBNQA. He was crucial in the Inuit political process throughout the 1980s and 1990s during the patriation of the Canadian constitution, notably the inclusion of section 35 on Aboriginal rights, and fighting for the rights of Nunavik Inuit during both Quebec referendums.

Zebedee’s ability to speak publicly in Inuktitut and English to communicate complex political issues helped others understand the many important issues affecting the Inuit of Nunavik.